Improvement in can-openers



E. M. BURCHARD.

CAN-OPENERS. v

' Patented Dec. 19, 1876.

Unrrnn STATES PATET QFFICE.

EDWARD M. BUBOHARD, OF WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

IMPROVEMENT IN CAN-OPENERS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 185,426, dated December 19, 1876; application filed September 5, 1876.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, EDWARD M. BURGHARD, of Washington city, in the District of Columbia, have invented anew and useful Improvement in Can-Openers, which improvement; is fully set forth in the following specification,

reference being had to the accompanying drawings.

My invention consists of a novel form of can-opener, for the opening of tin cans, and for the cutting of tin or other sheet metals, in which the handle is longitudinally divided, the two parts or sections folding and pivoted together, and provided, one with a cuttingblade, and the other with a cutting-edge, as hereinafter more fully described and definitely claimed. It is designed toperform two distinct operations, as shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawing.

In Fig. 1 my improved can-opener is represented as it is used in ripping around the edge of a circular can. In Fig. 2 it is represented as it is used in cutting across the end of a square can.

It is composed of a longitudinally-divided handle, of which section A is terminated by the knife-blade a. Section B is pivoted upon section A by the rivet O, and is provided with the cutting-edge b. This implement, when the handles are folded together, as shown in Fig. 1, forms an ordinary can-opener; but when the handles are extended, as shown in Fig. 2, it forms a powerful and most effective instrument for the purpose designed.

As represented in Fig. 1, its operation is precisely like that of an ordinary can-opener, composed of a handle and knife. As represented in Fig. 2, its operation is both novel and effective, and is essentially as follows: The closed implement is grasped by the right hand; the cutting-blade a is then forced through the top of the can; section B of the handle is then grasped by the left hand and thrown forward until it rests upon the top of the can, bringing its cutting-edge 1) into po sition for use. The downward pressure of both hands accomplishes the desired result, which is a clean shear cut The substantial advantage secured by the use of this can-opener is, that the strength of both arms is brought to bear upon the operation with an amount of leverage double that which may be obtained by the use of an ordinary can-opener.

Iclaim as my invention- A'longitudinally-divided handle, the two sections of which, A and B, are pivoted together, as described, in combination with the cutting-blade a and the cutting-edge I), all substantially as described and shown, for the purpose specified.

S. B. ROANE, D. P. GowL. 

